Central Cascades Wilderness Strategy, Willamette and Deschutes national forests
What is this new permit system all about?Visitation to the Central Cascades has increased dramatically in recent years, resulting in overcrowding and impacts to the landscape. The Willamette and Deschutes National Forests, spanning the area roughly between Eugene and Bend, ... Read more
Are you planning a long-distance hike or horseback ride on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2020? Good for you!
The PCT Long-distance Permit is an interagency permit, for trips of 500 or more continuous miles, that allows you to travel through areas where local wilderness permits would otherwise be required. ... Read more
As we turn the corner on another year, the PCTA introduces new leadership for our Trail Operations staff. Director of Trail Operations Mike Dawson will retire at the end of March, creating advancement opportunities for other staff members.
Mike’s retirement is no surprise. We’ve been working on a transition plan ... Read more
A bill that would amend the 1964 Wilderness Act to allow mountain bikes in wilderness had its first hearing Thursday on Capitol Hill.
The House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Federal Lands did not vote on H.R. 1349, but it’s clear that conservation groups have a sustained fight on their ... Read more
I’m thrilled to announce that a new section of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Sierra Buttes, built over the last four summers, is now open. This 6.5-mile section of trail takes PCT hikers and horseback riders past beautiful lakes and it has great camping. Plus, it avoids a long-standing ... Read more
Thankfully rain has arrived in some places, but there still are major wildfires burning on or near the Pacific Crest Trail in Northern California, Oregon and Washington.
Thick smoke and safety concerns have forced PCTA volunteer leaders to cancel several maintenance projects scheduled for late summer and early fall. The ... Read more
Blasting has long been a basic tool in road and trail construction throughout the west. I recently spoke with Debra Davis, the lead blaster for the Okanagan/Wenatchee National Forest, and her counterpart in the Mount Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest, Bridget Wisniewski. Both told me that there is a lot more to ... Read more
The Inyo, Sierra and Sequoia national forests are now updating their forest plans, which guide the management of land in the national forests. The U.S. Forest Service has released draft plans and related documents for these three forests for public comment. You can read these drafts and learn more about ... Read more
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